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Crytek looks to unite PC and mobile multiplayer with browser-based gaming platform GFACE

Different roles for different devices

Crytek looks to unite PC and mobile multiplayer with browser-based gaming platform GFACE
While streaming game services such as OnLive have raised plenty of headlines, there's still the issue that the majority of games are designed for PC and keyboard or game controllers.

Crytek's new online multiplayer venture GFACE – which looks to stream games to multiple devices in much the same manner - proposes a different approach, however.

Instead of trying to accommodate identical play on PC and smartphones alike, the games can be tailored towards a device's unique characteristics.

At home on phone

In short, if you take on a game on your phone, your role during play should be designed to fit that medium.

As detailed by Kotaku, Crytek is looking to deliver a service that unites players from across PC and smartphone in the same games, all via their browser.

So as well as serving up multiplayer that requires no installs and benefits from community features such as video chat, users won't be forced into taking on gameplay that doesn't befit the device they're playing on.

"The internet has changed, so have our lives," offers Crytek on the GFACE blog.

"Our mission is to re-imagine how we can best experience our new connected lives. 'Play. Together. Live' encompasses our mission to re-imagine the way we play, the way we are together and all of this – live in an entirely new way."

Ready to role

The idea is, someone playing a standard 3D FPS on their PC can be aided by a player connecting via their smartphone or tablet, tackling command or support roles specifically designed to make best use of their handset's strengths.



It's an approach that would require developers to serve up original content rather than port directly from console or PC and, with GFACE currently in a closed beta, the extent - or, indeed, ramifications - of its implementation is as of yet unknown.

What little is known about the service, however, can be sampled on Crytek's official GFACE website.

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.